The Island Scan feature in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon revolutionized the way players could encounter rare and powerful Pokémon. This wasn't just about finding a few extra creatures; it dramatically altered the Pokémon hunting experience, offering a unique challenge and rewarding players with some seriously impressive catches. This guide will delve deep into the Island Scan mechanic, detailing which Pokémon you could find, strategies for maximizing your success, and answering some frequently asked questions.
What is Island Scan in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
Island Scan is a special feature unlocked after progressing through a significant portion of the main storyline in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Essentially, it acts as a powerful Pokémon summoning tool. Once activated, the game scans the surrounding islands, revealing a specific pool of Pokémon that will appear in the wild for a limited time. These Pokémon aren't always easy to find; they often appear in specific locations or under specific conditions, adding an extra layer of strategic gameplay to the hunt.
Which Pokémon can be found via Island Scan?
The beauty of Island Scan lies in its unpredictability. Each scan reveals a different selection of Pokémon, many of which are incredibly rare or powerful. While a complete list is impossible to provide without extensive data mining, several notable Pokémon are frequently reported as Island Scan encounters. These include:
- Legendary Pokémon: Some legendary Pokémon, typically not normally found in the wild, have been reported as Island Scan encounters, making it a highly sought-after feature for completionists.
- Ultra Beasts: Certain Ultra Beasts, creatures from outside of Alola, were available via Island Scan, adding to the excitement and rarity of these elusive creatures.
- Alolan Forms: Many Alolan forms of Pokémon, exclusive to this region, also appear in the Island Scan pool, creating further opportunities for unique additions to your Pokédex.
- Rare and Powerful Pokémon: The Island Scan frequently surfaces Pokémon with high base stats and desirable abilities, making it a hotspot for competitive battlers.
How do I use Island Scan effectively?
To maximize your chances of finding the Pokémon you desire:
- Timing is Key: Island Scan only reveals Pokémon for a limited time. Make sure you're prepared to hunt immediately after initiating the scan.
- Know Your Locations: Certain Pokémon are more likely to appear in specific areas. Experiment and explore different locations to maximize your chances.
- Replays: You can restart the game and rerun the Island Scan to attempt to acquire different Pokémon.
- Patience: Finding some Pokémon via Island Scan can be a matter of perseverance. Don't be discouraged if you don't find what you want immediately.
What are the limitations of Island Scan?
While incredibly powerful, Island Scan does have some limitations:
- Limited Time: The scan only lasts for a set amount of in-game time.
- Randomized Results: The Pokémon that appear are random.
- Game Save: Saving the game before initiating a scan doesn't guarantee you can retry until you get your desired Pokémon.
Can I get specific Pokémon through Island Scan?
While you cannot guarantee a specific Pokémon from an Island Scan, you can increase your odds. The precise methodology is still debated within the Pokémon community, with many theories surrounding the impact of various factors such as the time of day or even the player's in-game progress.
Is Island Scan worth it?
Absolutely! Island Scan provides an unparalleled opportunity to catch rare and powerful Pokémon that are otherwise difficult or impossible to obtain. The challenge and reward make it a core element of the Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon experience for many players. The thrill of the hunt and the potential for amazing discoveries make it a worthwhile investment of time and effort.
This guide provides a foundational understanding of the Island Scan feature. Remember, the Pokémon world is full of surprises, so keep exploring, experimenting, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
